AmericansInLeipzig
Frequently Asked Questions

Money:

How should I get cash?

Usually the best way to get cash while traveling in Germany is just
to use an ATM. ATMs are very common in Europe - just about any bank will
have
ATMs available, and in most cases, they will be participants in networks
that
will
allow you access to your accounts in the US. The ATM will make the
currency conversion based on current rates, so it is more advantageous
than doing
a currency exchange with cash. As far as I know, no German ATMs will
charge you a service fee, but check with your own bank to see what they
charge for international ATM withdrawals.
Taking
more
cash
each
time and
reducing the number of transactions you make will help limit the fees
that you
are
charged.

A note on using ATMs: in Europe, the keypads do not have letters on
the buttons. If you remember your PIN from the letters on the keypad,
make sure that you memorize the numbers before going to Europe!

If you bring over travelers checks or cash in US dollars, you
will
need to take it to a bank to be exchanged to Euros (we have found
few stores and restaurants accept traveler's checks). The bank will either
charge you a flat fee for the service, or will give you a less-favorable
exchange rate. Keep in mind that the Treffen takes place over a holiday
weekend, and banks will not be open on
Saturday afternoon,
Sunday, or Monday.

Do they take credit cards?

Credit cards are accepted less frequently in Europe than they are
in the US, but most major stores and restaurants do accept credit
cards.
Credit
cards will generally get you the best exchange rate with minimal
fees, but be sure
you check to see what fees your company charges. Visa and MasterCard
each add 1%, and then the bank usually adds an additional fee -
2% is common. One major card issuer that doesn't charge an additonal
fee is MBNA (make sure you check - this could change!). As a general
rule, be prepared with cash, or make sure in
advance that
credit
cards
are accepted.

At the Treffen, there are very few places that take
credit cards (you can't even use your credit card to buy your Treffen
tickets).
The great
exception to that is the Xtra-X booth in the marketplace at AGRA
[and, recently, a few other vendors - but not many]. However, other restaurants
and shops around Leipzig, and certainly major hotels,
will accept credit cards.